Osheenn Giam, associate in our Labour & Employment team in London, shares her experience of qualifying through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CiLEX) route while working full-time. From evening classes to weekend commitments, she reflects on the challenges and rewards, and what it means to grow your legal career on your own terms.
When people ask me how I qualified as a solicitor, I often get surprised reactions. My route wasn’t the traditional one, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. I started my career with an internship at a leading global professional services firm during university, followed by a gap year where I worked with a small advisory firm helping overseas students with boarding school applications. That experience sparked my interest in immigration law, and I went on to work as an immigration advisor at a niche firm before joining Squire Patton Boggs as a paralegal.
At that point, I knew I wanted to qualify, but my law degree was a non-qualifying degree, and I did not want to step away from the work I was loving. CiLEX offered a flexible and practical solution. I studied remotely while working full-time, and after completing CiLEX, I went on to do the LPC part-time, attending evening classes after long days at the office.
I won’t sugar-coat it: it was tough. I gave up evenings, weekends and holidays. But it was a short-term investment for a long-term gain. Now, as an associate in the Business Immigration team (part of the Labour & Employment Practice Group), I’m focused on delivering great work for our clients in a specialist field that I’m really interested in, as well as earning recognition in legal directories. Longer term, I aspire to take on leadership roles and help shape the future of our team.
One piece of advice I received early on at the firm has stuck with me: admitting what you don’t know isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. In law, asking questions is far better than making assumptions.
I have also found a real sense of community here. I am involved in initiatives like our Business Resource Groups, which celebrate our differences and promote allyship. Our Business Resource Groups have given me the opportunity to meet incredible people who are passionate about their careers and generous with their experiences.
Outside of work, life is just as full. Since qualifying I’ve become a mom (my son is now four) and am also the proud owner of a four-year-old Golden Retriever. I thought it would be a great idea to raise them together so they can be best friends. Some days that’s true, other days they’re fighting over the same toy!
To anyone considering the CiLEX route: it’s not easy, but it’s doable. Stay focused, be prepared to make sacrifices and remember – it’s all temporary. The reward is a fulfilling career doing work you love, surrounded by people who support you.
